FedEx Ground retools its succession planning and development processes to deliver business results
Article Type: Abstracts From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 17, Issue 6
D’Alesandro H., Crandell S.Global Business and Organizational Excellence (USA), March/April 2009, Vol. 28 No. 3, Start page: 33, No. of pages: 12
Purpose – Describes the redesign of the succession planning process at FedEx Ground. Design/methodology/approach – Observes that this exercise has produced frameworks, tools and technology now used company wide. States that this exercise has helped leaders to understand where better talents can have the greatest strategic benefit and to make talent decisions aimed at improving business growth. Describes the main components of the central process in succession planning: talent review; assessment of individuals’ capabilities for current and future roles; and the design and implementation of accelerated developmental plans providing experiences that enhance leaders’ current capabilities and capacity to take on future roles. Notes that the initial focus of the talent review process was at the director and officer level and describes how the succession planning process was benchmarked against a research-based reference model. Explains that this reference model depicts six core processes for succession management: workforce requirements; talent inventory; talent review; individual career development; business optimization; and talent pool development. Discusses the way in which gaps in the current process were identified and change requirements prioritized. Distinguishes between important and pivotal roles in terms of their strategic or financial impact on the organization. Comments briefly on the need to understand the talent implications of business strategies, to align development plans with gaps in critical competences and reinforce the link to career development. Originality/value– May be of particular interest to other companies contemplating the issues associated with succession planning. ISSN: 1932-2054 Reference: 38AJ039
Keywords: Succession planning, Human resource strategies,Fedex Ground
